Fayetteville, N.C. - The USA South Athletic Conference has announced its 2011 All-Conference awards for volleyball, and a total of 34 student-athletes were named to the All-Conference teams. North Carolina Wesleyan senior setter Mackenzie Tingle garnered First Team honors, followed by junior Meredith Smith as a Second Team selection and libero Shana Ayers as a Third Team pick. Junior Anna Hart was the Bishops' representative on the All-Sportsmanship Team.  

A native of Clearbrook, Va., Tingle becomes a four-time All-Conference selection and three-time First-Team honoree during her stellar Wesleyan career. She currently ranks third in the league with 873 assists and 59 service aces, while her 130 kills and .375 hitting percentage lead all setters. 

Smith earned Second Team honors for a second straight year with a team-high 396 kills, which ranks third in the conference. She has also turned in 229 digs and 40 blocks thusfar this season.

Ayers picked up the first All-Conference recognition of her career after leading the entire league with 607 digs, which includes a conference-best 336 in USA South play.  Additionally, she currently ranks second on the team with 51 service aces.

Christopher Newport swept all the individual awards as Jessie Heavenrich was named Player of the Year, Jessie Kolden Rookie of the Year, Abby Hogge Libero of the Year and Lindsay Birch Coach of the Year. To view the entire list of award-winners, please visit http://www.usasouth.net/sports/wvball/2011-12/releases/11vballawards.